Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress - Ep. 651
May 24, 2024
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US Senator Cynthia Lummis discusses bipartisan support for crypto, Senate overturning SEC accounting bulletin, concerns about SEC's handling of industry, need for clear regulations, stablecoin legislation, and navigating regulatory landscape for digital assets.
Bipartisan support led to regulatory changes for crypto in Congress.
SEC's sudden approval of spot Ether ETFs raised questions about its decision-making processes.
Deep dives
SEC approves spot Ethereum ETFs amid speculation for the next asset approval
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has approved eight spot Ethereum ETFs, including those from BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale. The approval follows just four months after the first spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved, signaling a significant shift in the SEC's engagement with issuers. Experts speculate about the next approved asset, with some favoring Solana and others mentioning Dogecoin or Litecoin as potential candidates. The unexpected approval has raised discussions around the SEC's recent decision-making processes and its implications for future asset approvals.
US House passes comprehensive crypto regulation bill to establish regulatory clarity
The US House of Representatives passed the financial innovation and technology for the 21st century act, marking a significant milestone in establishing regulatory clarity over digital assets. The bipartisan vote of 279 to 136 demonstrated broad support from 71 Democratic representatives. Proponents believe the bill could end the regulatory ambiguity surrounding crypto and foster innovation in the space. As the bill moves to the Senate, its fate remains uncertain amidst upcoming elections, with President Biden showing no signs of threatening a veto.
Founder of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, transferred to new correctional facility
Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, has been relocated to a new correctional facility closer to his parents' home in Palo Alto. The move follows recommendations from federal prosecutors and Judge Louis Kaplan. Despite Bankman-Fried's earlier request to remain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the transfer may take up to a month. He is serving a 25-year sentence for orchestrating a major financial fraud, and the exact destination of his new facility remains undisclosed.
Grayscale CEO resigns, succeeded by industry veteran from Goldman Sachs
Michael Sonnenshine, CEO of Grayscale, has resigned after a decade with the company, effective August 15th. He will be succeeded by Peter Munsberg, previously with Goldman Sachs. Sonnenshine played a critical role in Grayscale's transformation of the Bitcoin Trust into an ETF earlier this year but faced challenges with significant outflows from the ETF. Munsberg brings over 20 years of traditional finance experience and aims to lead Grayscale into its next phase of growth.
With crypto becoming more politicized than ever, US Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis came on Unchained to talk about the recent regulatory action in Washington DC.
With crypto becoming more politicized than ever, U.S. Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis came on Unchained to talk about the recent regulatory action in Washington, D.C.
She delves into what led to bipartisan support to repeal SAB 121, and how the strength of the vote there in both the House and Senate may have affected the about-face decision to approve spot ether ETFs. Sen. Lummis also explains why she disagrees with how Gary Gensler’s SEC is handling the industry, how to avoid the next TerraUSD, why she feels Wyoming-chartered Custodia Bank is not being treated fairly, the ban on a Chinese-owned, Wyoming-based Bitcoin mining firm, and what advice she would give to the crypto industry during this election year.
Show highlights:
Why the SAB 121 approval was bipartisan
Whether President Biden will veto the resolution
How it's a "mystery" to Sen. Lummis why the SEC had a change of heart about Ether ETFs
How the SEC's approach to regulating the industry "is not the American way"
Whether there is a bipartisan majority in favor of crypto in Congress
How bitcoin has come a long way in terms of adoption
Sen. Lummis' thoughts on how to regulate the stablecoin industry and avoid a Terra Luna situation
The differences between the Lummis-Gillibrand bill and FIT21
How Sen. Lummis feels about the denial of a master account for Custodia Bank
Whether there's a move against Bitcoin mining companies in the US, given the recent ban of an operation in Wyoming
What Sen. Lummis would advise for the industry to accomplish its goals
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